Punctuation

Answer: (B)

(A) is a comma splice — two independent clauses joined by only a comma. This is ALWAYS wrong.

(B) uses a semicolon to correctly join two related independent clauses.

Four ways to fix a comma splice:

1. Semicolon: "...successful**;** the results..."
2. Period: "...successful**.** The results..."
3. Comma + conjunction: "...successful**, and** the results..."
4. Subordination: "Because the experiment was successful, the results..."

Answer: (B) — the semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses.

SAT Rule: A semicolon works like a period — it connects two COMPLETE sentences that are closely related.

The sentence needs commas to set off a list and an appositive:

"The three primary colors**—red,** blue**,** and yellow**—**can be mixed to create secondary colors."

Or with commas: "The three primary colors**,** red**,** blue**,** and yellow**,** can be mixed to create secondary colors."

Explanation:

• "Red, blue, and yellow" is an appositive (renames "the three primary colors")
• The appositive should be set off with dashes or commas
• Within the list, use commas between items
• Use the Oxford comma before "and" (standard for SAT)

Answer: "The three primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—can be mixed to create secondary colors."

SAT Note: The SAT uses the Oxford comma (comma before "and" in a list).

It depends on context:

(A) No commas = restrictive clause → "who founded the company in 2005" identifies WHICH CEO (there must be multiple CEOs). The information is essential.

(B) With commas = nonrestrictive clause → "who founded the company in 2005" adds extra information about the ONLY CEO. The information could be removed.

On the SAT: If there is only ONE CEO (typical), the commas are correct because the clause is extra information.

Answer: Most likely (B) — the company typically has one CEO, so the clause is nonessential information.

Test: Try removing the clause. If the sentence still makes complete sense and identifies the right person, use commas (nonrestrictive). If you need the clause to know WHO is being discussed, no commas (restrictive).

Answer: (A) — Use a COLON to introduce a list.

Why each option:

(A) Colon after "three things:" ✅

• A colon introduces a list, explanation, or elaboration
• What comes before the colon must be a complete sentence ("The study found three things" ✓)
• What follows explains what those "three things" are

(B) Comma after "things," ❌

• Creates a confusing run-on
• The list items blur with the introductory phrase

(C) Semicolon after "things;" ❌

• A semicolon requires a complete sentence on BOTH sides
• "Lower costs, higher quality, and improved access" is not a complete sentence

Colon rules for SAT:

1. What comes BEFORE the colon must be a complete sentence
2. What comes AFTER can be a list, explanation, or another sentence
3. Never use a colon after "such as," "including," or "for example"

Identify the issues:

1. "The author known for her vivid prose style" — needs commas around the appositive
2. "wrote three novels the last of which" — needs a comma or punctuation break
3. "which, won" — unnecessary comma separating subject from verb
4. "before she turned forty it was" — run-on / comma splice needs fixing

Corrected: "The author**,** known for her vivid prose style**,** wrote three novels**,** the last of which won the Pulitzer Prize before she turned forty**.** It was a remarkable achievement."

Or with a semicolon: "...before she turned forty**;** it was a remarkable achievement."

Or with a dash: "...before she turned forty**—**a remarkable achievement."

Changes made:

1. Added commas around "known for her vivid prose style" (nonrestrictive)
2. Added comma before "the last of which" (introduces a relative clause)
3. Removed comma between "which" and "won" (don't separate subject and verb)
4. Added period between "forty" and "It" (two independent clauses)

Answer: "The author, known for her vivid prose style, wrote three novels, the last of which won the Pulitzer Prize before she turned forty. It was a remarkable achievement."